The online courses are delivered through a supported training model. This model includes tutor-led sessions for discussions, presentations and sharing of resources as well as self-paced individual study.

Each course runs over a period of 8 - 10 weeks. Participants join a cohort of up to twelve people led by a trained tutor.

What courses are available?

Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorders / ASD

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In many classrooms there are students who may:

have difficulty communicating and relating to others

have behaviours and interests that are restricted and repetitive

appear distressed over changes in routine

be overly sensitive to some sounds, movements, smells and tastes

appear to be unaware or insensitive to the feelings of others

These students may have an autism spectrum disorder and as the term suggests they may have a range of abilities that vary from those with severe intellectual disability through to individuals with exceptional abilities.

Autism spectrum disorder is a lifelong developmental disability and students, whatever their level of functioning, may need support and adjustments in the school and classroom environments. This course aims to support teachers in making their classrooms more inclusive for all students by providing an understanding of the impact of this disability. It offers practical and achievable assessment ideas and intervention strategies to address a range of specific, identified needs.

Inclusion of students with Speech, Language and Communication Needs / SLCN

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In many classrooms there are students who may have difficulties:

understanding, following and giving directions

using a wide range of appropriate vocabulary

expressing needs, ideas and information

sequencing and prioritising tasks, negotiating with others and working in groups

Students who have significant difficulties with speech and language can present with a wide range of additional learning needs and problematic behaviours and they will often have difficulties accessing the curriculum due to limited reading, writing and spelling skills.

This course aims to support teachers in making their classrooms more inclusive for all students by providing an understanding of the impact of speech, language and communication needs. It offers practical and achievable assessment ideas and intervention strategies to address a range of specific, identified needs.

Students who experience dyslexia or other significant difficulties in learning to read may require adjustments and support across all the key learning areas. An understanding of how these difficulties can impact on student learning and what evidence-based strategies are available will assist teachers to make a difference to the learning outcomes of these students.

This course provides participants with an understanding of:

the causes, incidence and main characteristics of dyslexia

some of the issues surrounding dyslexia and significant difficulties in reading

how to carry out an individual reading assessment and monitor student progress

the importance of a whole school approach to teaching reading and providing additional support

a range of practical strategies to teach the critical aspects of reading

how to individualise the class reading program

how to support learning across the curriculum and use assistive technology effectively

Students who experience behaviour difficulties can struggle to access learning and to feel socially included in school life. The key message of this course is that behaviour is learnt and more appropriate behaviour can be supported in a positive way.

This course provides participants with an understanding of:

what is meant by difficult behaviour

how teacher practice can influence student behaviour

the need to consistently develop students’ understanding of themselves and others

the appropriate behaviours and skills that allow inclusion in learning

positive classroom management practices that support the learning, behaviour management and inclusion of all students

The term ‘hidden disabilities’ is often used as many students may be capable of learning at their stage levels but their motor difficulties can impact on their academic performance

Different terminology may be used including developmental coordination disorder or dyspraxia

There may be other co-occurring difficulties in addition to fine and gross motor skills such as speech and language difficulties, poor organisational skills, challenging behaviour and social difficulties

There are degrees of motor coordination difficulty

A motor coordination difficulty is a lifelong developmental disability. This course aims to support teachers in making their classrooms more inclusive for all students by providing an understanding of the impact of this disability. It offers practical and achievable assessment ideas and intervention strategies to address a range of specific, identified needs.

Students with hearing loss may have difficulties in acquiring language and literacy skills which may impact on their ability to access content across the key learning areas. An understanding of the effect hearing loss can have on student learning is important for all teachers. This course will assist teachers to provide adjusted learning and support to meet the needs of these students and to make a difference to their learning outcomes.

This course provides participants with an understanding of:

how the ear works and what we mean by hearing loss

the possible effects of a hearing loss on a student’s academic, social and communication skills

A visually impaired student doesn’t have access to the same visual experiences and clues as their peers, which reduces their learning opportunities.

This course aims to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills of all those working with students with visual impairments, and to support inclusive practice. It addresses:

The impact of a visual impairment on development

The technology used with students with a visual impairment

Why assessment is important and the information it can give us

Visual impairment and additional needs

Strategies for including students with a visual impairment

What do courses look like?

Each course has four main elements:

Understanding

Assessment

Interventions

Case studies

The content is presented in a variety of ways to accommodate different learning preferences. All courses include interactions, printable resources, animations and videos.

There a number of quizzes throughout the course, and as a participant you must contribute to forums, goals and interventions as part of the course requirements.

To view sample pages from each course go to the top of the page and click on Sample pages from courses.

What is the feedback?

Those who have completed the courses rate them very highly in terms of the impact of the courses on extending knowledge, skills and confidence in supporting students with special needs. (Examples from NSW public school evaluation).